Barnabas File
Encouraging Words from the Word by Maynard H. Belt
A little bit of “Daily Light”
Makes the pathway clear,
A little of His Word each day,
Helps remove the fear.
I’m thankful for His “Daily Light”
Which brings such peace of mind,
It never ceases to encourage me
As great treasures therein I find.
This “Daily Light” will guide me
While through this life I go,
T’will be my constant companion
Daily restoring my soul.
–MHB
I give thanks for my Bible,
The precious Word of God.
It saves and keeps and satisfies
Along the path I trod.
This Book has been my Companion,
Oh, the times it has comforted me.
It has encouraged my heart,
And made me glad,
And from sin has set me free.
Of all the books that I have read,
My Bible alone stands tall,
Though books I’ll have until I die,
This Book excels them all.
So I’ll take my Bible where’re I go,
It will be my constant Guide,
When friends forsake me,
And life’s hopes fail me,
In this Book I will confide.
–M.H. Belt
Before I read the Word of God
There are some things I ask–
I pray for His enlightenment,
That I may in His wisdom bask.
I also ask for His direction
To keep me in His will–
For I know I’m prone to wander
And rush rather than be still.
Next I seek a commandment,
God’s personal word to me–
A challenge or a conviction
To flee from sin and holy be.
Then I ask for encouragement
For sometimes the journey’s tough–
His Word does tame my many fears
It reminds me His grace is enough.
And always I give God thanks
For the enjoyment that I receive–
From reading all His love notes
Which led me to believe.
–MHB
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them: and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jeremiah 15:16
(Rom. 4:12; Heb. 11:6)
Faith always leaves a trail of progress
No matter where it goes,
It delights in doing the impossible,
Despite what threats oppose.
Thank God for men like Abraham,
Who quickly answered His call.
Willing to give the darling of his heart-
What a testimony to us all.
Where are faith’s trail blazers today?
Have we forgotten how to trust?
May we be willing to walk by faith,
For Jesus’s sake – we must!
–MHB
Philippians 4:1-19
The Lord is at hand, we must be careful,
Give thanks, rejoice and pray.
For His presence requires our steadfastness,
His Word we must always obey.
In everything by prayer and supplication
Our requests are to be known to God,
His peace which passes all understanding
Will be ours on the path we trod.
We are to think on things true and honest,
Those things which are lovely, just and pure.
Things of good report and virtuous
This is what makes us mature.
Contentedness is learning to live
In whatsoever state we are in.
Accepting God’s will with rejoicing
Recognizing it is Christ who strengthens.
God has promised to supply our needs
According to His riches in Christ.
There is never a need to worry
He will provide until we reach paradise.
–MHB
2 Corinthians 3-4
Spiritual treasures in earthen vessels
God’s plan to spread His Word,
Able ministers with plainness of speech
Proclaiming Christ to those who haven’t heard.
His mercy we have for this ministry
So that we faint not in the task.
Our sufficiency is all of God
If only we pray and ask.
Our message is Christ Jesus the Lord,
Ourselves we do not preach.
We are but servants for Jesus’ sake,
So that others we might reach.
To proclaim God’s glory to others
Is to reveal His character in us,
His love, His compassion, His mercy,
His truth, His holiness, and justice.
These earthen vessels may suffer,
Like Paul, hard-pressed on every side,
Perplexed, down cast and afflicted,
From morn to evening tide.
Yet not distressed, distraught or forsaken,
Nor destroyed by the works of death,
Bearing in his body the Lord Jesus,
Glorifying Him til earth’s last breath.
Spiritual treasures in earthen vessels,
Able ministers called to serve,
How blessed we are to be chosen,
An honor we do not deserve.
–MHB